By Krissy Sexton, founder of The Hair Bow Company
Quick answer: Choose a bow that comes attached to a satin headband when you want one ready-to-wear piece with nothing to match up. Choose a soft nylon interchangeable headband (sometimes called an Add-a-Bow headband) when you want to clip on different alligator-clip bows and change the look with every outfit. It comes down to simple versus flexible.
Babies don't need a ponytail to wear a bow. A soft headband gives the bow somewhere to sit while her hair is still fine, thin or just starting to come in. The real question is whether you want the bow attached to the headband, or a headband you can swap bows on.
I've been designing baby bows since 2008, and with four kids of my own, I've used both. Here's how they compare.
Attached vs. Interchangeable Baby Headbands at a Glance
| Attached bow headband | Interchangeable nylon headband | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A bow already attached to a soft satin elastic headband | A soft nylon headband with no bow. You clip one on. |
| Getting ready | Grab it and go | Pick a bow and clip it on |
| Changing the look | Each headband has its own bow | Swap alligator-clip bows on the same band |
| Keeping track | One piece | Headbands and bows are separate pieces |
| Once her hair grows in | It stays a headband | The clip bows go straight into her hair |
| Care | Spot clean and store flat | Take the bow off, then hand wash the band cold and lay flat to dry |
| As a gift | Ready to wear right out of the bag | Add at least one alligator-clip bow, since the headband comes without one |
What Is an Attached Baby Bow Headband?
It's a bow that comes already attached to a soft headband, so it's one finished piece. Ours are made with soft, stretchy satin elastic. There's no clip to position and no figuring out which bow goes with which band.
A lot of our everyday bows offer a satin headband as an attachment choice. Just pick "Satin Headband" in the attachment menu on the 3" Original, 4" Essential, 4.5" Classic, 4.5" Classic Scalloped or 5.5" Oversize bow. For the tiniest newborn look, our 2.5" Bitty Scalloped Bow Headband is the smallest we make.
An attached headband is the easy pick when you want:
- One complete accessory for a specific outfit or occasion
- A simple newborn or baby shower gift
- One piece to grab from the drawer or toss in the diaper bag
- A particular scalloped, printed or holiday bow
- Fewer little pieces to keep track of
If you're not sure how big a bow to get, our Hair Bow Size Guide walks through every size by age.
What Is an Interchangeable Nylon Headband?
It's a soft, stretchy nylon band with no bow on it. Clip on a bow for today's outfit, then take it off and clip on a different one tomorrow.
An interchangeable headband is the better pick when you want:
- More looks from just a few headband colors
- To switch between solid, printed, school and holiday bows
- Bows she can keep wearing in her hair after she outgrows the headband
- A starter gift built from neutral headbands plus a few bows
- To choose the bow and the headband separately
Our Soft Interchangeable Headbands come without a bow. The Interchangeable Nylon Headband Bundle gives you a white, pink and black band in one set (also without bows), so there's always one that goes with her outfit.
Which Bows Work With an Interchangeable Headband?
Any bow with an alligator clip. The clip grips the band now and her hair later. French clips, Pony-Os and bows that come on a satin headband aren't made to clip onto it.
For babies, smaller and lighter bows sit best on the band. The 3" Original and 4" Essential come on a single prong alligator clip, and the 4.5" Classic comes on a double prong alligator clip. Choose the alligator clip option instead of Satin Headband before you pick your color.
Attachment choices vary by style and size, so a quick look at the attachment menu on the product page saves a lot of guesswork. Our Hair Bow Clip Guide explains every clip type we use.
How Many Headbands and Bows Should You Start With?
You don't need every color right away. Start with the clothes she wears most and how you like to keep her things organized.
An easy attached headband starter set
- One light neutral for everyday outfits
- One pink, or the color she wears most
- One printed, seasonal or special-occasion bow
A flexible interchangeable starter set
- Two or three headband colors that go with most of her clothes
- One small, everyday alligator-clip bow
- One dressier or seasonal alligator-clip bow
- One more color picked from the outfits she wears most
The goal isn't to collect every combination. It's a small set that makes getting her dressed easier. Browse our baby bows and clips and headbands and pick pieces that go with what's already in her closet. Want help picking the colors? See how to build a hair bow collection.
Which Makes the Better Baby Gift?
An attached bow headband is the easiest gift because it's ready to wear as soon as it comes out of the bag. It's perfect when you know the family's favorite colors or the look they like.
An interchangeable headband makes a more flexible gift, but include both pieces: at least one headband and at least one alligator-clip bow. A headband on its own is great for a mom who already has clip bows, but it can be confusing as someone's very first bow gift.
Not sure what the family likes? A neutral headband and an everyday bow are a safe bet. Ribbon and clothing colors can look different from fabric to fabric (and screen to screen), so aim to coordinate rather than match exactly.
Caring for Baby Bow Headbands
Care depends on the piece, so check the care line on the product page. Our attached bow headbands are spot clean only, and our soft interchangeable nylon headbands are hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. A few more tips:
- Store attached bow headbands flat so the loops don't get crushed.
- Keep interchangeable bands and clip bows together in a small organizer or pouch.
- Always take the bow off before washing an interchangeable headband.
- Let everything dry completely before you put it away.
- Always supervise babies wearing hair accessories, and take headbands off for naps and bedtime.
Your 30-Second Baby Headband Checklist
- Want one complete piece? Go with an attached bow headband.
- Want to change bows often? Go with an interchangeable nylon headband and a few alligator-clip bows.
- Buying a gift? Give an attached headband, or give an interchangeable headband with a bow.
- Thinking ahead? Alligator-clip bows move from the headband to her hair when she's ready.
- Ready to order? Check the attachment menu, colors and care on the product page.
Shop Baby Bows and Headbands
Decide whether you want a ready-to-wear attached headband or a reusable interchangeable one, then double-check the attachment on each bow before it goes in your cart.
Baby Bow Headband FAQs
Does an interchangeable nylon headband come with a bow?
No. Our Soft Interchangeable Headbands and the white, pink and black Interchangeable Nylon Headband Bundle come without bows. Add an alligator-clip bow separately.
Can any hair bow clip onto an interchangeable headband?
No. Choose a bow with an alligator clip. French clips, Pony-Os and bows that come on a satin headband aren't made to clip onto it.
What's the difference between a satin headband and a nylon headband?
At The Hair Bow Company, our attached bow headbands are made with soft satin elastic, and the bow stays on that band. Our interchangeable headbands are soft, stretchy nylon with no bow, so you can clip on any alligator-clip bow and swap it out.
Can she keep wearing the alligator-clip bows once her hair grows in?
Yes. Once she has enough hair to hold the clip, take the bow off the headband and clip it right into her hair.
What bow size is best for a newborn?
A small bow, like a 2.5-inch or 3-inch, gives a dainty newborn look. A 4- to 4.5-inch bow makes more of a boutique statement. Age is only a starting point, so use the Hair Bow Size Guide to compare sizes and pick the look you love.
About the author: Krissy Sexton founded The Hair Bow Company in 2008. A mom of four, she has spent more than 15 years designing hair bows and helping families find the right bow for every age, hairstyle and occasion.